The Chinese mission to the United Nations had told reporters it was attempting to uphold a “responsible attitude” and seeking to deal “with this issue with relevant parties via thorough consultation”, news agency AFP reported.

Sources have told newswires there is a strong case for designating Mr Azhar as a terrorist and have hinted that they may pursue “other avenues” if China continued to stand in the way.

What is JeM?

Jaish-e-Mohammad literally means the Army of Mohammad.

Pakistan-based Muslim cleric Masood Azhar founded the group after he was released by India in 1999, one of three men set free in exchange for the crew and passengers of an Indian Airlines plane hijacked and flown to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.